Manchester United Transfer News: Mendes Could Force Van Gaal to Sign Falcao, if Red Devils Want to Keep De Gea

Manchester United may be forced to sign flop striker Radamel Falcao on a Permanent basis as they attempt to tie down David De Gea on a new contract.

Falcao have be getting a second chance to prove himself at Old TraffordReuters

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao could remain at Old Trafford beyond his season if goalkeeper David De Gea signs a new contract with the club.

The Red Devils are reportedly keen to convince De Gea, whose contract expires in 2016, to sign a new deal at Old Trafford as he has been in excellent form this season.

However, United are not so keen on signing on-loan striker Falcao on a permanent basis for £43 million from AS Monaco this summer, as he has failed to impress at Old Trafford this season, managing only four goals from 24 English Premier League appearances so far.

But, according to the Manchester Evening News, the Colombian's future is reportedly intertwined with De Gea's due to both players having the same agent in Jorge Mendes.

It is believed that Mendes will only hold talks with Manchester United over De Gea's contract renewal, if the Red Devils take up the option to permanently sign Falcao.

This has reportedly put United in a bit of a pickle as they are desperate to convince the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, who has been linked heavily with a move to Real Madrid, to sign a new contract.

Meanwhile, De Gea insists that he is still trying to improve, even though he admits that he has become a better goalkeeper over the course of the season.

The 24-year-old has been in excellent form, and his performances have resulted in him getting nominated for both the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, as well as being included in the PFA Team of the Year.

And the Spaniard says that he always tries to improve, although he admits this season has been "very productive" for him.

"I'm very young and I always try to keep getting better, in every training session, every match, and I think it's been a very productive season for me. I'm still growing as a player; I'm very satisfied with the season that I and we have had," De Gea told Manchester United's official website.

De Gea is also being tipped to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a second time this season, but he feels there is still plenty of competition for the club prize.

"Every player deserves to win it," he added. "Everyone has done important things for the team. Everyone tries their absolute best to win and gives all they've got in training to help the group."